Meet Diestene Williams | Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diestene Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diestene, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had a personal practice for a while that became more consistent during the pandemic. I then decided I wanted to work on a formal certification as I saw a need for better representation in the field. In studios and during training, it was rare to find teachers and even students of color. Many people I spoke to also felt it wasn’t a particularly inclusive ‘exercise’ and I wanted to change that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started as an educator, and will always consider myself as one. My career in education began almost 20 years ago as an elementary teacher in London, England. I later moved to New York, as a founder of a new international school, where I started to work on policy and curriculum development as we grew the school from 32 children to several hundred. After that, I moved to South Korea to develop a language arts program at a large school on a small island about 5 hours from Seoul. After about 2 years, I was promoted to Vice Principal there and worked on professional development and student attainment. Most recently, I found myself back in the classroom at a school in Atlanta where I worked for three years before making the leap to start my own yoga business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am very lucky to live right by Piedmont Park and I love sitting by the water and just taking in the views. I would also take a scooter and ride the belt line! I’d definitely stop at Herban Fix for their vegan faux duck buns that are my absolute favorite! I loved the Botanical Gardens when they have a special event and maybe catch a show at The Fox, especially if Alvin Ailey was in town! One of my favorite restaurants is Aria in Buckhead so I’d visit there too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am very blessed to have come from a community of great people that have encouraged and supported me on my journey. My mother, sister, and daughter have played a pivotal role in encouraging, counseling, and advising me whenever I needed it. I also have wonderful friends who know me and accept me as my risk-taking and adventurous soul. They are prepared to cheer me on when things go right or help me pick up the pieces when I take a fall.

Website: www.yogakinship.com

Instagram: @theyogakinship

Linkedin: Diestene Williams

Facebook: Tina Williams

Image Credits
Eliel Freer- Sullivan